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One of the more striking reflections I’m blessed to have been shared with this Christmas season are the three principles–or shall we say conditions–that came with Jesus Christ, and the salvation He brings about, being given to us as a gift.

One, God gives his Son to us as a Gift. He does this on His on accord, from His own free will. And as It is a Gift, we should receive the Gift as it is.

Two, we should accept the Gift on the Giver’s own terms. No pre-conditions. No buts and ifs.

Three, we cannot buy the Gift. It is given to us freely, and we cannot set a price on the Gift and we therefore have no right to ask for the Gift in exchange for something. It has been given to us in the first place, and we cannot earn it, no matter what we give in exchange.

I thought about this as the image of the Filipino custom of pamamasko comes to my mind.

On the street, you see scenes of children approaching cars with hands cupped and outstretched. “Namamasko po!” they chant, in the hopes that the vehicle’s occupants will give them some spare change.

At home, the door bell never ceases to ring, as carolers, with their bottlecap tambourines, do the same thing. They go from door to door, singing merry tunes, perhaps expecting a few pesos from the residents.

Even when visiting relatives, kids are used to approaching their aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas and godparents. “Namamasko po!” And every Christmas, a gift is expected, especially from the godparents, who perhaps feel this is the only time in the year that they get to exercise their godparentship.

Sadly, though, I feel that the true meaning of pamamasko has been lost in the materialism of it all. Instead of Christmas being an occassion of happy gift-giving, it has, for many people, translated to an annual exercise of gift-asking, and gift-expecting, and gift-doling-out.

A person who receievs a gift in surprise is always the happiest. It is in the unexpected that I, personally, revel the most.

If I buy a lottery ticket, hoping and praying that my number gets picked for the multi-million peso jackpot prize, I would only get disappointed when it doesn’t. The same can be said when you psych yourself for receiving gifts at any occassion or season–be it Christmas, your birthday or anything.

Why not psych yourself to give this Christmas season? And it’s not just giving because you are compelled to, but rather because you want to, on your own free accord. It may not necessarily be a material gift wrapped in colorful paper and bound in glittery ribbons. It can be your time visiting a relative, even if he lives two hours away. It can be a smile you give to your neighbor as you greet him Happy Christmas. It can be the whole few days of quality time you spend with your spouse and kids while you’re on vacation.

Sure, exchanging of the material gifts can be part of this. But try to focus not on the tangible stuff, but rather on the fact that it’s Christmas and you want to make someone happy with your time, effort, love, and yes, even material gifts.

Maybe then we will get to rediscover the true spirit of pamamasko.

It could be about streetkids approaching your vehicle with a smile, because they want to greet you a merry Christmas. And in doing so, they somewhat remind you of how fortunate you are, driving in comfort and not plying the streets with dilapidated slippers and tattered clothing.

It could be about youths braving the cool December air, going door to door and sharing their gift of music. Many of these groups donate the proceeds of caroling to a charitable cause, after all.

It could be about kids going to their aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas and godparents not for the gifts, but really to spend some time in quiet or not-so-quiet revelry. After all, the rest of the year we’re really busy with work, school and a lot of other things. And if you’re parents, remind yourself that you’re not paying a visit just for the gifts to your kids, but to give your gift of time to these relatives and friends.

Again, salvation through Christ is given to us as a Gift, (1) to be received, (2) on the Giver’s own terms, and (3) which cannot be earned.

Think of this when you give a gift. Think of this when you receive a gift.

Happy Christmas, everyone!